I had to make one of the most difficult decisions of my life on Wednesday. My 5 year old cat, Charlie, had been experiencing recurring health issues that would have required multiple invasive surgeries with a decent likelihood of complications and no guarantee they'd help.
Even so I desperately wanted to help him. Charlie was my boy. Anyone who knows me knows how much I desperately love my cats, and Charlie was the heart of our household. He was never mean or unfriendly to any visitors. He forced his love on his cat siblings. And today is the first day in 5 years when I haven't been greeted by him right in the morning at home.
I'm trying to focus on what I loved the most about Charlie. There's a lot.
I loved how playful he was.
I loved how energetic and athletic he was.
I loved how he groomed all of his cat friends including me.
I loved how he rolled over for me to rub his belly.
I loved how proper he sat and crossed his little paws.
I loved how he chattered at birds.
I loved how he would knead me.
I loved how he would sleep at my feet.
I loved how he would climb under blankets.
I loved how he would follow me around.
I loved how excited he was when I got home.
I loved how smart he was.
I'm so sorry I couldn't help you more, Charlie. You were my special little boy. I'm happy that you were able to find peace on my lap and with my wife and I telling you how much we loved you. I'm happy you were able to become so calm and purr and knead us and look up at me just like you were my Charlie when you weren't feeling sick. I'll never forget you.
RIP Charlie
2017-2022 in physical form
2017-eternity in my heart